Chapter 40: Is there anyone in the Jia Ma Empire who can surpass me in alchemy?
Misty Cloud Sect.
As the most powerful sect in the Jia Ma Empire, Misty Cloud Sect's headquarters is located on a majestic mountain just a little over ten miles from the empire's capital.
Because of the sect's name, the mountain itself has also come to be known as Misty Cloud Mountain.
A mountain named after a sect indicates its extraordinary status.
Misty Cloud Mountain is steep, with cliffs on three sides, and only one road leads to the peak, making it a strategically defensive location.
Moreover, the disciples of Misty Cloud Sect patrol the mountain vigilantly at all times, turning the entire mountain into a small fortress.
Just two miles from the base of the mountain, the empire has stationed fifty thousand cavalry.
Although these fifty thousand cavalry are officially there to protect the capital, anyone can see that this is the empire's way of keeping a close watch on this nearby powerful force.
The scale of Misty Cloud Sect is evident from this.
At this moment, outside the grand hall of Misty Cloud Sect, a middle-aged man with a refined appearance walked in with a sense of urgency.
This man is Gu He, an elder of the sect and, on the surface, the most skilled alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire.
Upon hearing that Yun Yun had returned to the sect, Gu He hurried over.
"Sect Master!"
At this time, Yun Yun was also in the hall.
As soon as Gu He entered, he greeted her quickly and then turned his attention to her.
"Sect Master, did you obtain the Purple Spirit Crystal? I heard there was a terrifying battle in the Magical Beast Mountain Range a few days ago. That must have been between you and the Amethyst Winged Lion King."
Yun Yun's eyes flickered, and she shook her head silently, indicating that she hadn't obtained the Purple Spirit Crystal.
Since leaving the Magical Beast Mountain Range, she had been somewhat absent-minded.
Hearing this, Gu He sighed, assuming that Yun Yun's mood was due to not obtaining the Purple Spirit Crystal.
If he had the Purple Spirit Crystal, he could refine the Purple Spirit Pill and give it to Yanran.
But the next moment, Yun Yun's eyes blinked, and she suddenly smiled, saying, "Although I didn't get the Purple Spirit Crystal, I accidentally obtained a pill even better than the Purple Spirit Pill from a young alchemist."
Upon hearing this, Gu He raised an eyebrow in doubt, about to question Yun Yun when she interrupted him.
"I've already given the pill to Yanran, and so far, it has shown excellent effects with no side effects. Her cultivation has progressed steadily and solidly."
"It's almost too perfect to be just a pill."
Yun Yun's voice was filled with admiration.
After all, every medicine has some toxicity.
While most pills have mild effects, they all carry some degree of pill toxicity.
It's fine to take them occasionally, but long-term or excessive use can harm one's essence.
Yun Yun did not encourage Nalan Yanran to take pills, but since Yanran was eager to quickly improve her cultivation, and Gu He's alchemy skills were reliable, Yun Yun had willingly helped him search for the Purple Spirit Crystal.
However, the pill given by Gu Fei was different; she sensed no toxicity in it.
It was mild and harmless, with seemingly no side effects at all.
It's estimated that within a month, after fully absorbing the pill's power, Nalan Yanran would likely break through to the Dou Master realm.
Seeing Yun Yun's praise for another alchemist, Gu He couldn't help but frown.
A pill made by a young man, how effective could it be?
Moreover, for a Dou Practitioner seeking to reach the Dou Master level, his Purple Spirit Pill should be the best option.
Where did this young man's pill formula come from?
However, after personally checking, Gu He found that after taking the pill, Nalan Yanran's cultivation had indeed improved significantly.
Her aura had become much more profound, and her Dou Qi seemed as solid as if it were gained through actual training—very stable.
This pill certainly exceeded the expected effects of the Amethyst Pill.
"…"
This result left Gu He at a loss for words.
Previously, when Yun Yun asked him to refine a pill, he had set a condition: that she would accompany him to the Tager Desert to search for a Heavenly Flame.
Yun Yun had readily agreed, promising Gu He that once he successfully refined the Amethyst Pill and gave it to Nalan Yanran, she would help him find the Heavenly Flame.
But now, before he could even finish refining the Amethyst Pill, Yun Yun had already obtained a better, milder pill from someone else, leaving Gu He hesitant to speak up.
After all, he had failed to fulfill his end of the bargain, so it was awkward to ask for payment.
Gu He's lips moved slightly, and although Yun Yun was a bit slow to react, she had seen enough to know what he wanted to say.
"Elder Gu He, don't worry. I will still help you with what I promised earlier!"
"Consider it a thank you for all the help you've provided to the sect."
Yun Yun said coolly.
After all, Gu He had contributed a lot to Mist Cloud Sect. It's well known that the pills from the Pill King are extremely hard to come by in the outside world.
Gu He, when helping Mist Cloud Sect refine pills, usually charged only a minimal fee, or like this time, requested that the other party accompany him on a trip as an exchange.
Even though Gu He was skilled in alchemy, he still lacked the strength to protect himself.
Choosing powerful 'bodyguards' to exchange for his refined pills was his best option.
As the sect leader, Yun Yun couldn't just ignore his request, even if he hadn't helped her this time.
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
Gu He was overjoyed and then said, "The sooner we set off, the better. Let's leave tomorrow."
Yun Yun readily agreed.
...
In Stone Desert City.
With Gu Fei's help, Hai Bodong finally restored his Dou Emperor level cultivation.
He broke the seal and felt the long-lost surge of power throughout his body.
Yet, Hai Bodong still dared not attack Gu Fei and reluctantly handed over half of the map fragment as promised.
Additionally, he gave Gu Fei a different map he had drawn, which might contain the location of a Heavenly Flame.
Of course, Gu Fei didn't actually need the location of the Heavenly Flame.
Because he knew that the Heavenly Flame had already been taken by Queen Medusa.
Going there now would be a wasted trip.
All Gu Fei needed was the map of the desert.
"Great! Thank you."
Gu Fei smiled as he accepted it, then left the ancient map shop with Xiao Yi Xian.
Next, they would truly enter the desert.
Stone Desert City was really only on the outskirts of the desert, while they were heading to the deep, uninhabited parts of the desert.
The climate there was harsh, extremely hot, and with scarce water resources, so Gu Fei began gathering supplies in Stone Desert City with Xiao Yi Xian.
Water was essential in the desert, and they also gathered some food.
Xiao Yi Xian obediently followed behind Gu Fei, who didn't let her carry anything, storing everything in his storage ring instead.
After gathering supplies, they left the city, mounted the back of the Lion King, and set off once again toward the depths of the desert.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Bloodrunk
Bloodrunk Like it ? Leave a review and add to library！
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone